Jobcentre staff go on strike

Union members in 32 call centres in England, Scotland and Wales take action over 'draconian' working conditions

A Jobcentre Plus office in London: staff will walk out in a long-running row over what they call 'oppressive working conditions and unrealistic targets'. Photograph: Rex Features Rex Features/Rex Features

Thousands of Jobcentre staff will go on strike on Monday in a long-running row over "oppressive working conditions and unrealistic targets".

More than 6,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union in 32 call centres in England, Scotland and Wales will walk out in a repeat of industrial action first taken last year.

They claim "draconian" conditions are preventing them from providing a decent service.

The PCS general secretary, Mark Serwotka, said: "With unemployment remaining high and our economy in the grip of recession, it is shameful that Jobcentre bosses are still refusing to let their staff provide the kind of help and advice that people need.

"These call centres provide a vital lifeline. Inquiries are often complicated, and people struggling to find their way around the benefits system are often understandably desperate and upset, but staff are being forced to end calls as quickly as possible just to meet an artificial target.

"Our members care about the services they provide and they want to be able to help people properly, not have to fob them off."

The union said Jobcentre bosses were only interested in getting claimants off the phone rather than dealing with their inquiries properly.